Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced that the Oron Maritime infrastructure will be commissioned in December 2026.
Governor Eno disclosed this on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the October edition of the Government House Monthly Prayer Service held at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo.
He said the project is designed to transform the Oron maritime and coastal environment into a vibrant hub for water transportation, trade, commerce and tourism.
According to him, the project goes beyond a ferry terminal building and includes high quality jetties with world-class services.
“The Oron maritime infrastructure is aimed at repositioning Oron as a commercial zone to stimulate private-sector investment, create employment opportunities, and promote sustainable livelihoods through productive utilization of the State’s marine resources,” he said.
He explained that the project is structured to facilitate passenger and cargo transportation, support fisheries and fish processing, reduce post-harvest losses, promote hospitality and coastal tourism, strengthen maritime security and boost private investment.
The Governor noted that the initiative will position Oron as a major gateway for coastal commerce, expand economic opportunities for local communities and advance the State’s economic diversification drive under the ARISE Agenda.
Facilities expected at the hub include ferry terminal building, passenger jetty, cargo jetty, hotel, cold room, warehouse, floating bar, Joint Task Force jetty, workshop, car park, and recreational unit, among others.
“We have acquired two newly built ferries of 24 metres and 18 metres long. We expect four of them in all to operate along the Oron-Calabar route to provide easy movement of people and goods across the coastal corridor,” he added.
He disclosed that the ferries will be named after former First Ladies of the State in recognition of their contributions to the State’s development.
Governor Eno also highlighted other projects in the Oron axis including the completed Nsit Atai – Okobo – Oron Road and the ongoing rehabilitation of the 13.5km Okopedi – Uya Oro Road.
On politics, the Governor announced that the State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council will flag off campaigns for the 2027 general elections with a prayer session on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo.
He urged citizens and stakeholders to participate in the prayer session to commit the Party’s campaign activities to God.
He thanked Christian leaders and Akwa Ibom people for attending the prayer service and for their assurances of support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Earlier in his sermon on the theme “For God is with us” from Isaiah 8:9-10, General Overseer of Precious Faith International Church, Rev. Emmanuel Iniama, charged Christians to be confident that no matter life’s challenges, they will overcome because God is with them.
The monthly prayer service was graced by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno Obareki, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, members of the State Executive Council, political stalwarts, captains of industry, clergies and other government functionaries.
